Cybersecurity and the Social Sciences:
ㅤㅤㅤBy definition, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting internet-connected systems. While this is true for most subjects in cybersecurity, social sciences being introduced can bring a different perspective. Instead of focusing on the technical work with systems, social sciences will focus on the “human factor” of security. Following the teachings of social engineering, ethics of cybersecurity, and understanding the overall behavior of humans can give a different approach to critical thinking and working on systems all together.

Here are 3 pictures that I think represent cybersecurity and the social sciences the best:

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Here are a few examples of projects completed as part of the CYSE201S curriculum, which included research papers and a PowerPoint presentation exploring social science topics within cybersecurity.

Article Review #1: This is a writing related to the article Protection Motivation Theory & Cybersecurity Behaviors. It provides an in-depth analysis of the text, as well as provides a relationship with the modeling, research methods, and overall outcomes of the paper.
CYSE 201S | Article Review #1 – Jacob Thurman | View Paper Here

Article Review #2: This article review looks into the study of Who Falls for a Phish?, which is a study that investigates the leading factors of negative cybersecurity outcomes. This includes characteristics like age, gender, and education within the technology realm. It is used to highlight the importance of vulnerable populations and how to prevent cyber threats.
CYSE 201S | Article Review #2 – Jacob Thurman | View Paper Here

Cybersecurity Professional Research Paper: This academic essay is responsible for looking into the career path of a Social Engineering Analysts. It lists the details of what the career is responsible for, expected of them, and emphasizes the importance of the position.
CYSE201S | Cybersecurity Career Professional Paper – Jacob Thurman | View Paper Here

Presentation: During the semester, a presentation on a specific topic within cybersecurity was required to complete the curriculum. Social Impact of Cybercrime was a self chosen topic which gave access to discovering the impacts within society that occur due to cyber attacks and threats. It analyzed what the average victim goes through, as well as provides remedies towards the cybersecurity dilemma.
CYSE201S | Social Impact of Cybercrime – Matthew Chestnut, Jacob Thurman | View Presentation Here